One puppy died and two others were suffering poor health after they were found abandoned by the side of the road.

Three puppies were found by a member of the public on Whitecroft Road, Oswaldtwistle.

One puppy had been run over and was dead, while the other two were in a very poor condition and required immediate veterinary treatment.

RSPCA Inspector Leigh-Anne Jones was shocked by the grim discovery and said the puppies had been left in a remote location.

She said: “The area in which they were found is quite quiet, so it is lucky that someone spotted them before it got dark, or they most certainly would have died. The two surviving puppies were severely dehydrated, thin, covered in mange and suffering from worms.

“The two remaining puppies are now recovering well at the vets where they have got their appetite back after their ordeal.”

She added: “The vet was unsure of what breed exactly they are, but they look like possible terrier cross breeds, and are approximately eight weeks old.”

Leigh-Anne added that she was concerned for the whereabouts and condition of the puppies' mother who she said may need urgent treatment.

The puppies were discovered on Thursday, November 28 at around 6pm.

Ward councillor Doug Hayes was disgusted by the episode.

He said: “This is awful - I cannot believe how people can be so heartless. To do something like that to an animal is just horrendous.”

Lancashire Police said they are not currently investigating but have asked anyone with any information to contact the RSPCA call centre on 0300 123 4999.